Wednesday, March 5, 2003

I want to thank Harold Harrison, Jr., for his informative story about Amos Rucker, a slave who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and later distinguished himself as a member of the Confederate veterans. Also, I agree 100 percent with his comments regarding censorship. Censorship of any form or type is wrong.

I even appreciate the human nature story of Amos Rucker's devotion to his master, Joseph Rucker, and his gallantry in battle against the Union army, who by the way, my great-great-great-grandfather fought for after escaping from slavery in Mississippi. Evidently, their relationship was more than master and slave.

Which brings me to the point of my letter. Mr. Harrison, I'm not attacking you. I appreciate your desire to tell a story that is worthy of being told. However, I must pose this question. Would you rather live free, or die?

It's that simple. Politically speaking, Amos Rucker chose slavery. I'm not denigrating Amos Rucker. I admire any man who is willing to put his life at risk for what he believes in.

Another question that needs to be asked is how could any man fight for a system of government that made not only him, but millions like him, less than a man? I'm sorry, but in my book, if you aren't standing for what's right for every man, then you aren't standing for anything that's worthy.

You mentioned that Amos Rucker's grave is now unmarked at Southview Cemetery in Atlanta. Where is the devotion of men defending a worthy cause in ensuring that a noble, gallant soldier of the Confederacy is properly honored? From a public relations point of view, it would be kudos on your behalf in properly recognizing this man. Can you imagine the positive press you would receive for your efforts? But until the time that rhetoric is matched with effort, please forgive me if I'm not moved.

Mr. Harrison, we are all proud of our ancestry. Ancestry is not the issue in the flag debate. In the final analysis, it comes down to right and wrong. Where was the outcry, the feel-good stories, when this Confederate symbol, which thousands of men died for and against, was used by extremist and hate groups against people of color and the Jewish faith?

In closing, I say that the state of Georgia has progressed too far to fly a banner that is so divisive. As men of honor and who both are proud of our ancestries, I challenge you to let's find a flag we both are proud of.

Grady M. Scott

Fayetteville